Allies Condemn Israel's Demolition of UNRWA East Jerusalem Compound

International Outcry Over UNRWA Demolition

A coalition of eleven allied nations, including Britain, France, and Canada, has issued a strong condemnation of Israel's demolition of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) compound in East Jerusalem. The demolition, which occurred on January 20, 2026, has been labeled an 'unprecedented act against a United Nations agency by a UN Member State' by the condemning countries.

The joint statement, published on the British government website on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, called on the government of Israel to 'halt all demolitions' and to 'abide by its international obligations to ensure the protection and inviolability of United Nations premises' in accordance with the UN General Convention (1946) and the Charter. Beyond Britain, France, and Canada, the statement was also signed by the foreign ministers of Belgium, Denmark, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Portugal, and Spain.

Details of the Demolition and UNRWA's Response

The demolition involved Israeli authorities sending bulldozers into the Sheikh Jarrah compound in East Jerusalem, where they proceeded to tear down structures within the UNRWA facility. Reports indicate that the compound, which had been empty of staff since January, was also reportedly set on fire after the demolition.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini condemned the incident, describing it as part of a 'broader campaign against the UN and Palestinian refugees'. Lazzarini stated that the destruction represents an 'unprecedented escalation' and an 'attempt to dismantle the status of Palestinian refugees' and 'erase their history'. UNRWA maintains that its property is protected by UN privileges and immunities. Furthermore, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in October 2025 that Israel was obliged to facilitate UNRWA's operations and has no jurisdiction over East Jerusalem.

Israel's Stance and Legislative Actions

Israel's Foreign Ministry defended the demolition, stating it was 'following through on a new law that banned the organisation, accusing it of ties to militant groups and Hamas'. The Knesset, Israel's parliament, passed legislation in October 2024 prohibiting UNRWA from operating in Israel, including East Jerusalem. This law was further amended in December 2025 to restrict electricity and water supply to UNRWA facilities. Israeli authorities have also claimed that the UNRWA-Hamas had ceased operations at the site, and therefore the compound did not enjoy immunity. These actions follow accusations by Israel that UNRWA staff participated in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.

International Community's Call for Unrestricted Operations

The joint statement from the eleven nations reiterated their 'full support for UNRWA's indispensable mission' to provide essential services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem. They also welcomed UNRWA's commitment to reform and implement the recommendations of the Colonna Report, aimed at ensuring the agency meets the highest standards of neutrality and integrity. The allies emphasized that UNRWA, as a service provider delivering healthcare and education to millions of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, 'must be able to operate without restrictions'.